I have a 1975 f-100 with a 360. Everything appears to be stock. It was an older gent's fishing truck. It is in pretty good shape, dirty oily engine but seems to run soild and stong. Odometer says 46,000, title syas 46,000. I dont know which it is.

So what wt. oil should I use, along with filter and oil brand etc.

Thanx in advance.

 

The only answers we can give you are really just opinions, so expect to get 100 different answers. I would use a 10W40 or 15W40 oil. There are so many good oils out there that Brand really does not matter much. Honestly the same goes for the filter, any brand will do.

 

Dont run an SM oil, it lacks the necessary additives to protect your flat-tappet cam. I like to run diesel rated 15w40 in my new 390, as the diesel rating has more additives than normal gasoline motor oil.

 

SM oil?? I am newbie so bare with me. What do I look for as far as ratings etc on the bottle.

Also I have no brand preference. I know it can be apples to oranges. But the more opinions I hear can help as at this point I am shooting in the dark.

 

API rating SM is what I meant. Look for a 15w40 like Rotella, Delvac, Delo, Mystik... They're meant for diesels but also have the SL gasoline certification. They'll work best in an FE motor IMO.

For the filter, I like to use Napa Gold. It's a Wix that they slap their name on, and costs less.

 

Hey where are you at in Iowa??

 

Waterloo / Cedar Falls, why?

 

I am absolutely with Rusty on this. The best thing you could do for an old truck like this with flat tappet cam and more years than miles is to use what is called a Universal grade which is the oils that he listed. They have lots of detergents and cleaners for soot dispersal in diesel engines. For that reason they will work GREAT to clean out that old engine and keep it clean.

My favorite is Delo, but any of those that rusty listed will work well. You can get most of them by the gallon at Wally World. I would get it to operating temperature and drain it thoroughly, preferably overnight, then fill it with Delo/Rotella/Delvac and a fresh filter. I would run that 500 or 1000 miles and drain it again hot and overnight. After that it should be reasonably clean. It would then be time to put it on a frequent oil and filter change interval with one of the Universal grades.

Good luck,
Doc

 

Just that I live up in Rochester. Dont know to many Ford-trucks guys around these parts and I recognized your name from all the helpful posts you've made. Looking for others for get togethers etc. or just curious to know who is around my neck of the woods.

 

i would use a 15w40 dual rated oil the motorcraft filter number is fl-1a but even the wal mart brand super tech filters are good they are made by champion and are only 2.00 and they work well on my 428 they seem to keep the oil very clean rotella is only 7.00 a gallon and works good the zinc in these oils will help the old fe engines out big time.

 

As far as draining overnight. That includes pulling filter and plug.......but should I wait till summer or spring?? It is not a heat controled garage. Not sure if it will drain well in the cold.

 

Drive it, then change it hot. Wait for about 5 minutes after you shut it off to allow all the oil to drain into the pan though. That accomplishes two things:

1. The oil will be thinner and will drain better.
2. All the contaminants will be suspended in the oil.
3. Your hands stay warm.

Ok, 3 things.

Edit: You dont need to let it drain overnight. Just wait 'till it's down to a drip, then stick the plug back in.

 

Yes, the overnight drain is the ideal, but a THOROUGH drain as rusty describes will get the job done. An overnight drain for an engine that needs cleaning helps more than you might think because those last drops are the nastiest stuff that comes out.

The most important thing is that the engine is at operating temperature when you pull the plug.

Have a great day,
Doc

 

I agree with what is said. Get the motor up to full opporating temp. I would drive it for an hour or more at moderate highway speed, I have found that this seems to get stuff loosened up and in suspension. Then pull in garage and pull plug and the filter off. I too would let drain a min. of 4 hours, I have done over night many times and will still see a drip in the morning! Pre fill the filter with clean oil, should be able to get 1/4 to 1/2 quart in and let sit on bench untill morning. You may be able to get a little more oil in then and put back on after plug is in. Repeat in 500-1000 miles.
Dan

 

Wow thanx all for the advice. I will try to do it this weekend.So what is a flat tappet cam all about?? What is the purpose behind having one of these?? I have heard that these 360 FE's tend to have a lower oil pressure. Still a 15W40 for any season?? Being that I am up north we get the coldest cold and some pretty warm highs.